Sometimes crime happens in the least likely of places. An apartment building for senior citizens in rural Ontario is not where one would expect to find an alleged drug trafficking operation. However, that is exactly what police discovered recently, and three people are now facing a variety of charges.
On August 18, 2016, Durham Regional Police officers with a warrant conducted a search of a seniors' residence on Perry Street in Uxbridge, Ontario. Acting on tips from the public, officers entered a unit of the residence and uncovered a stash of drugs, cash and a weapon. Ten marijuana plants were found, as well as opiates, cocaine, hashish and an estimated $15,000 worth of illegal cigarettes. Over $15,000 in cash was also seized, some of it hidden in the walls of the unit, as well as a rifle and ammunition.
Three individuals were charged, one of them a senior citizen. Two Uxbridge men, one age 67 and the other age 50, were arrested and charged with numerous drug and weapon offences. The charges include drug trafficking and possessing unmarked cigarettes. A 33-year old woman, also from Uxbridge, was charged for possession of oxycodone.
This is a difficult situation for all three individuals. Each of them may be involved, but each to a varying degree. When accused of drug trafficking or other drug-related crimes, it is important to bring in legal help. This is especially crucial for anyone charged as part of a group of arrests who feels he or she may be a victim of circumstance or who wishes to distance him or herself from the others. An attorney from an Ontario criminal defence law firm can assist a client with planning a strong defense.
Source: durhamregion.com, "Senior among three charged after cops seize gun and drugs following search at Uxbridge seniors' building", August 22, 2016